WHY SOME PRAYERS GO UNANSWERED (2)

>>> SECRETS OF EFFECTIVE PRAYING

TEXT: James 4:3

We began yesterday at looking at some reasons behind unanswered prayers. It is clear that not all unanswered prayers implicate the devil as the culprit. If we must get the best out of prayers we must pray according to God’s ‘pattern’. Today on SPIRIT SWORD we look at more reasons why some prayers go unanswered.

(i) PRAYING THROUGH ANGELS, DEAD SAINTS OR CHURCH FOUNDERS (Acts 4:12)

This is commonplace in many quarters and it demonstrates idolatry in its subtle form. The book of John alone explains in at least four (4) verses that answers come ONLY when we pray in the name of Jesus (John 14:13, John 15:16, John 16:23, John 16:26). It is error to pray in the name of angels or the founder of your church. Your pastor may be very anointed, but his name cannot create access to God’s throne when you pray.

(ii) LIVING WITH UNCONFESSED SIN (Isaiah 59:1-2)

Sin blocks access to God. The presence of sin gives access and justification to the accuser of the brethren – satan to come and accuse and waylay answers. He did it to Joshua the high priest who wanted to approach God with filthy garments. Until the filthy (sinful-spotted) garments were removed there was no communication between God and Joshua the high priest (Zachariah 3:1-5). Grace anchors prayers…sin blocks the flow of grace and hinders answers to prayers.

(iii) ABSENCE OF THE FEAR OF GOD (Proverbs 1:28-29)

“Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD.”

God says in His word that when they call to Him in prayers He would answer (Isaiah 65:24). He says when they seek Him they shall find Him (Matthew 7:7). He says when they seek Him early, they shall find Him (Proverbs 8:17). But now these words become of none effect because the fear of God is missing.

May we begin to get it right in the place of prayers,  and may we begin to get those supernatural virtues and values that prayers stand for.